“No surprise” over Hamzah’s sacking, exodus from Bersatu expected

SHAH ALAM — The sacking of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin could trigger a wave of departures from Bersatu, with one former Supreme Council member warning that an exodus is now only a matter of time.

Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq said he was not surprised by the party’s decision to dismiss its deputy president, describing it as “expected” and long anticipated.

“Expected this to happen, and it’s about time,” he told Sinar Daily.

Khaliq alleged that those within the inner circle of party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had been uneasy about Hamzah’s growing influence and the possibility of him eventually taking over the party leadership.

“People up there around the president are just afraid of Hamzah taking over the party. They planned this and in the end they succeeded in sacking Hamzah,” he claimed.

But he cautioned that the move may come at a heavy price.

Hamzah (second from left) with the Bersatu top leadership. (SINAR PHOTO)

“The party is going to break because Hamzah has a lot of support especially from MPs, state assemblymen and division heads. Sack him and you’ll just see an exodus of us leaving the party in a matter of time,” he said.

Khaliq, who was recently removed as an appointed Supreme Council member and is currently Bersatu’s Kepala Batas division chief, made it clear that he would not remain in the party if Hamzah is no longer part of it.

“I won’t stay in Bersatu if Hamzah is sacked. I do not agree with how the president is handling the party right now,” he said.

He accused the leadership of failing to consolidate the party and instead allowing internal fractures to widen. According to him, disciplinary actions taken against members were not about strengthening unity but weakening Hamzah’s support base.

Khaliq further claimed that tensions within Perikatan Nasional (PN) were being aggravated by individuals close to the president, particularly in dealings with coalition partner Pas.

He also criticised Muhyiddin for what he described as backtracking on his earlier resignation as PN chairman and positioning himself as the coalition’s “poster boy” candidate for prime minister despite ongoing legal challenges.

“He should settle his court cases first, not putting himself as PN’s poster boy. His supporters may say innocent until proven guilty but it does not look good. You could have stepped aside and focus on your court cases, let the number two lead but that’s not the case now,” he said.

Khaliq suggested that influential figures within the party, including Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, may be playing roles behind the scenes in shaping the current direction of leadership decisions.

While he acknowledged that discussions are taking place among Hamzah’s supporters, he declined to elaborate on specific plans.

“There are plans but I do not want to jump the gun,” he said, reiterating his loyalty to the sacked deputy president.

Earlier today, Bersatu’s disciplinary board issued a letter confirming that Hamzah, who also serves as Opposition Leader, had been sacked with immediate effect after being found to have breached Clause 9.1.4 of the party’s constitution. He can appeal within 14 days of the notice.

The decision comes amid an escalating leadership tussle between Hamzah and Muhyiddin, signalling what could be one of the most significant internal fractures in the party’s history.

With key grassroots leaders, MPs and division heads said to be aligned with Hamzah, the looming question is no longer just about the sacking itself but how many will follow him out the door.